High Flying Good Times

Jet-plane junkies won't be the only happy folks gathered on the tarmac at Langley Air Force Base this weekend for the celebration of AirPower over Hampton Roads.

In addition to the service's latest and most powerful jets, the fleet of warplanes expected to appear in the air and on the ground includes such vintage propeller-driven World War II aircraft as the P-51 Mustang - once lauded as the Cadillac of the Skies - and the B-25 Panchito. Right alongside these revered American veterans, visitors will find the classic Hurricane and Spitfire fighter planes that helped the Royal Air Force win the Battle of Britain.

American military aviation's historic roots - and one of its longest-lived alliances - will be celebrated all three days by aerial displays that range from the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight (today) to the RAF's famed aerobatic team - the Red Arrows (Saturday and Sunday). Tonight's kickoff program features an after-dark air show, a concert by country singer Pat Green and an eye-popping fireworks show. Turn to page C10 for a complete schedule of the free three-day program.